Northeastern India is home to the hill tribes. Diverse in its culture and tradition this part of India is actually famous for its biodiversity and natural resources. The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura make up the Seven Sisters of India sharing a common boundary. These states share borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh.
A great place to explore for a wildlife lover
Though Northeast India is to be the less explored one it offers beautiful and adventurous destinations for the enthusiastic travelers. The National Parks and the Wildlife Sanctuaries serve as a safety region for the wildlife. The best among them are:
• Kaziranga National Park: With its diverse flora and fauna, it is one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites of India. It is situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. Famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park also has a population of reptiles, birds, and mammals such as wild elephants, leopards, hornbills, king cobras and many more.
• Manas National Park: Situated in Assam, Manas National Park is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a shelter to mammals and various species of birds and reptiles. The spotted species include Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, the Asian Elephant and many more.
• Namdapha National Park: This is the largest National Park in Northeast India and is situated in Arunachal Pradesh. Considered a safe haven for species of mammals, birds, reptiles and also comprises of various vegetation zones like semi-evergreen and deciduous forest.
Spiritual landscapes
Buddhist monasteries like 'Tawang Monastery' in Arunachal Pradesh can lead to an awakening of a spiritual mind providing a feeling of serenity.
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and situated in the Nilanchal Hill of Assam, the Kamakhya Devi Temple is considered to hold a great religious significance. The three day fair called ‘Ambubasi Mela’ is famous at the temple as during this period the Goddess Kamakhya is in her life cycle of menstruation. Saints, pilgrims, travelers from across the globe come to witness this fair.
The ‘Sri Govindajee Temple’ situated in the capital city of Manipur i.e. Imphal is the largest Vaishnavite temple. It is one of the oldest in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. The occasion of Janmashtami is celebrated in a grand way and during this time performances of Manipuri folk dance and Ras Leela are also being performed.
An important pilgrimage for the Muslims ‘Powa Mecca’ is situated in the Garurachala hills of Assam. It is well renowned for the tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, an Iraqi prince turned preacher. Being one of the holiest shrines many Muslim pilgrims from across the globe visit this place to pray and worship.Traditional festivals
The festivals of Northeast India are a mind-boggling one. The engrossing costumes, profound music, and succulent cuisines are enough to make one be a part of the festive seasons. Most famous among them are:
- Bihu Festival: Celebrated with great joy, this festival is the most prominent festival of Assam. It actually consists of three festivals which include Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kongali or Kati Bihu and Bhogali or Magh Bihu which are celebrated thrice a year in different months. The beauty of Bihu dance and Bihu folk songs forms a part of this festival which provides a great feeling of ecstasy.
- Nongkrem Dance Festival: A five-day blissful festival is celebrated in the state of Meghalaya by the Khasi tribes to mark the occasion of harvest. A goat is sacrificed as a thanksgiving offering so the word “Nongkrem” is used to denote the “Goat Killing Ceremony”. Young men and women dress in their enchanting attire to perform the traditional dance.
- Anthurium Festival: Held in the state of Mizoram, this festival is named after arenowned flower named “Anthurium”. This festival is celebrated every year to promote and encourage the cultivation of Anthurium in Mizoram. The Mizo tribes exhibit their culture and tradition with folk dances, sports, eatables and beautiful handicrafts.
- Hornbill Festival: This major festival of Nagaland is named after a bird called “Hornbill”. Traditional dances are being performed to highlight the traditions and customs of the state. Young men and women enthusiastically take part in various fun-filled games and competitions.
The drooling cuisines
The magnificent flavors of the dishes are really an overwhelming one. Ingredients like king chilly, bamboo shoots add great flavors to the dishes. Pitha in Assam is considered to be the most popular which is made in different varieties.
The Vawksa Rep of Mizoram is totally a mouth-watering dish for all the non-vegetarians as it is made of smoked pork, leafy vegetables added with different spices.
The bamboo steamed fish of Nagaland is tasted the best when eaten along with rice. Nagaland is also famous for the smoked pork which is truly an amazing one.
The spicey and hot chutney called Tungtap has an incredible taste. The people of Meghalaya are very fond of this delicious chutney. Chikhvi is considered to be the main dish of Tripura. Made with bamboo shoots and pork, it has a perfect balance of taste.
Pride of Northeast
Apart from the beautiful landscapes, Northeast India is famous for bringing forth the famous personalities who not only made Northeast proud but also entire India.
Boxer Mary Kom, the only Indian Olympic boxer hail from the state of Manipur has qualified the 2012 Summer Olympics and won the bronze medal.
Dipa Karmakar hailing from the state of Tripura was the first Indian female gymnast to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a renowned musician, playback singer, poet and also a filmmaker. He was the recipient of famous awards like Dada Saheb Phalke Award and Padmabhushan and was also awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
